Critical Reflection

        My short film “The Watcher” is a drama-thriller that tells the story of two sisters who are watching a movie on what they think is a normal night like any other, however this night takes a dark turn. As the night progresses, the sisters start to see weird shadows in their window and get weird knocks at their front door. Then one of the sisters is taken, while the one left is searching for her, she herself also gets kidnapped. 

        In my film, the two sisters' story of what begins as a typical night and turns into a terrifying ordeal offers a moving look at female vulnerability and empowerment. The sisters' journey demonstrates the strength and resilience women possess even in precarious situations as they face danger and abduction. She knows she needs to protect herself, which is why she grabs a knife, she may have been scared but was willing to do what she needed to fight for herself. By actively planning and combating her captor, she dispels stereotypes by exhibiting agency and tenacity. The story also highlights the widespread vulnerability and fear that women frequently feel when navigating dangerous environments, which sparks conversations about safety precautions and societal perceptions of women's safety. The sister's perseverance in seeking out and saving her other sister in spite of the risks they face emphasizes the strength of female solidarity and fortitude, emphasizing the value of sisterhood and support systems in getting through trying times. Additionally, my film can act as a spark for discussions about ending the silence around violence against women, giving viewers the confidence to speak out against this kind of violence and push for reform. Overall, my film challenges stereotypes and celebrates the strength and resilience inherent in womanhood through its exploration of female empowerment and vulnerability. It also offers a nuanced portrayal of women's experiences.

        A sense of branding was established for my short film through the use of specific elements in my project.  The public receives advertisements for new films upon their release.  Since there are numerous ways to promote a new film, I developed six distinct branding platforms.  I made a website, postcard, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube account for my film. The postcard uses dark, dull, and grey colors to show that this film will be dark and scary, this may intrigue viewers who like drama or thriller movies. The website also uses dark and grey colors to have the same effect as the postcard. I used a photo of a person’s shadow in a window to almost give a sneak peek as to what will happen in the film. My website contains a short description on me the making of the film on the main page. The next page is an about screen, which describes the movie in just a few sentences without giving away too much. The reviews given by very trustworthy and popular film reviewers. Then I have three clips from the film that I felt gave good pieces of the film that capture all of what is going to happen and may intrigue people to watch the film. My contact page includes an email and phone number and also a section where you can fill straight into the website and the information will get sent straight to my email.

        My product captivates viewers by drawing them into the compelling story that builds tension and feelings. The audience is drawn into the story of this short film about two sisters by the relatable characters and the seemingly ordinary setting. Viewers become engrossed in the sisters' situation as the night goes on and strange things start to happen, feeling their anxiety and tension grow. The audience is actively involved in solving the mystery alongside the characters as a result of the surprising turns and twists that keep them on the edge of their seats. In the end, the movie makes an impression that lasts, inspiring viewers to consider the topics covered and starting conversations.

        The products' use of conventions or challenges to them were greatly influenced by research. I was able to study what worked and what didn't in other drama-thrillers and get inspiration from them. The tone, style, and pacing of the movie were all influenced by this research, which helped to make it both entertaining and successful. In addition, I studied the intended audience, which was helpful in developing the movie's marketing plan. I was able to develop a marketing strategy that connected with the target audience and raised anticipation for the film's release by learning about the interests and preferences of drama-thriller fans.

        My product is effective at drawing viewers in with gripping stories that evoke a variety of emotions and thrilling suspense. This skill is on display in the short film, which centers on two sisters and transports viewers to a world where everyday events give way to extraordinary ones very quickly. Audiences are kept on the edge of their seats and emotionally invested in the sisters' journey at every turn by likable characters, subliminal clues, and surprising turns. Viewers are forced to solve the mystery alongside the characters as the plot develops and the tension rises, creating a strong bond that lasts long after the last frame. In the end, my dedication to immersive storytelling guarantees that every watching experience is not only engrossing but also thought-provoking, making a lasting impression on viewers all over the world.